Welcome to Haywood County
Welcome to Haywood County—where adventure runs deep and the mountains set the pace. We’re excited to host the VELOSOLUTIONS UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier racers in our corner of Western North Carolina.
Here, every turn leads to something worth discovering. From the lively charm of Waynesville to the wide-open views of Maggie Valley, the lakeside calm of Lake Junaluska, and the authentic mountain spirit found in Canton and Clyde, Haywood County is built for both high-energy moments and easygoing exploration.
While you’re here to ride, we invite you to stay a little longer—wander our trails, savor local flavors, and experience the kind of mountain hospitality that keeps people coming back.
September 11-13, 2026
Event Schedule & Details
Pump Track World Championships Qualifier (PTWCQ)
Categories: PTWCQ Women Elite (17+) and PTWCQ Men Elite (17+)
Legal age to participate: 17 years in the year of the event (2009 or older)
Kids, Junior and Master categories to be announced
Getting Here
Traveling to Haywood County, North Carolina, for the UCI World Championship Pump Track Qualifier is simple and scenic. Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Haywood County is easily accessible by air and by car from many major East Coast cities.
Flying to the Region
The closest airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located approximately 30–40 minutes from Haywood County. AVL offers nonstop flights from many major U.S. hubs, making travel to the mountains convenient from across the country.
Airlines serving Asheville Regional Airport include American, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Sun Country, with direct connections from cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York-area airports.
Driving to Haywood County
Haywood County sits at the intersection of several major highways, including Interstate 40 and U.S. 23/74, making it an easy drive from many East Coast destinations.
Approximate drive times include:
- Asheville, NC – 30 minutes
- Greenville, SC – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Charlotte, NC – 2 hours 30 minutes
- Atlanta, GA – 3 hours
- Knoxville, TN – 2 hours
- Raleigh, NC – 4.5 hours
- Charleston, SC – 4.5 hours
- Washington, D.C. – 7 hours
Once you arrive, the drive into Haywood County offers a welcoming introduction to the region’s mountain scenery and hospitality—setting the stage for an unforgettable event experience.
Lodging Specials
Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center
At Lake Junaluska, we offer a variety of lodging options to fit your needs. Guests attending the UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier will receive a 20% discount by using the promo code PUMP26 at the time of booking. Offer valid 09/05-2026-09/20/2026
Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals
25% off any stay in September. Offer valid 9/1 – 9/30, 2026. Call or Email to Book. (828) 944-0610 | maggievalleyyurtsandcabins@gmail.com
The Haven WNC
15% discount on 2 night stays use code PUMP15 or 20% discount on 3 night stays use code PUMP20. Offer valid 9/9/26-9/15/26
Peppertree Maggie Valley
Peppertree Resort is offering a 20% discounted rental rate for athletes and attendees of the UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier event. Offer valid 9/10-9/13, 2026. Call or email Peppertree Resort directly to book. (828) 926-3761 | info@peppertreemv.com
Dining & Shopping Specials
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Five Mountain Towns To Explore
Haywood County is home to five distinctive mountain towns—each offering its own sense of place:
canton
Set against blue-hazed peaks and the Pigeon River, Canton offers a fresh take on the classic mountain town. Just minutes from Blue Ridge Parkway favorites like Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields, it blends high-elevation adventure with small-town charm.
Nearby, Lake Logan’s 260-acre sanctuary offers peaceful views, while the river invites fly fishing, kayaking, tubing, and canoeing. Home to the Southeast’s longest-running Labor Day celebration, Canton pairs outdoor adventure with deep-rooted mountain heritage.
clyde
Long a welcoming stop for Appalachian travelers, Clyde still carries that spirit in its quiet streets and front porches.
Surrounded by Smoky Mountain views, it offers a slower pace rooted in heritage and pride. A strong creative presence—fueled by Haywood Community College’s renowned arts program—blends with a history shaped by early lumberjacks.
Today, Clyde feels timeless, where scenic beauty, Appalachian culture, and craftsmanship come together.
Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska is where you go to slow down and take it all in. A paved walking path circles the lake, offering wide-open mountain views and plenty of quiet spots to sit, reflect, and catch a sunrise or sunset.
Known as a place of restoration, the gentle atmosphere of the Lake beckons you to find a peaceful moment––or let one find you.
If you’re looking to stay active, hit the green on an 18-hole golf course, or get on the water with rentable kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and pontoon boat tours.
Maggie valley
A high-elevation valley perched amongst the Great Smokies’ picturesque peaks, Maggie Valley is an easygoing mountain town lined with pockets of adventure. Roadside inns, cozy cabins, and family-friendly attractions like mini golf and gem mining lend it a nostalgic feel.
Local restaurants and mom-and-pop shops round out the town’s down-home feel. Maggie’s own Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum lays claim to America’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles (which actually run!), drawing visitors from across the country.
Throughout the year, the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds keep things lively with car shows, music festivals, and seasonal events.
Waynesville
Waynesville blends authentic mountain culture with a walkable downtown full of character. The iconic “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains” arch welcomes travelers of all ilk to Main Street, a historic corridor lined with galleries, shops, and locally loved restaurants.
The central hub to NC’s “secret foodie capital,” it has everything from casual spots to standout meals that raise the bar. Waynesville’s a feast for the eyes, too, with a thriving community of local artists and makers that sets the town abuzz with creative energy.
Step into the downtown’s Blue Ridge backdrop and you’ll find plentiful outdoor adventures in hiking trails, waterfalls, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
